NEWBERRY - The Newberry College Lady Indian basketball team christened the first ever Newberry Classic at Eleazer Arena on Friday evening, with a rousing 92-49 drubbing of Morris College.
On the strength of nearly 43 percent shooting from the floor, Newberry (2-0) peppered the Lady Hornets with 78 shots, 44 in the first half.
The Lady Indians built a strong lead of 19 points after the first nine and half minutes in the match, jumping out to a 27-8 lead. Defensively, the scarlet and gray created relentless ball pressure early, limiting the Lady Hornets to 31 percent from the floor and just 17 first half points.
Pre-season All South Atlantic Conference forward Tonique Frasier saw the bulk of her playing time in the first half. The junior from Walterboro, S.C. tallied 16 points in the first and spurred the Lady Indians to a 29-point lead going into the second period of play. Frasier ended the evening with 18 points and six rebounds in just 15 minutes.
Newberry fans were granted their first look at Neosho Community College (Kansas) transfer Tosha Goodman and the junior from Winter Park, Fla. did not disappoint. The jump shooting specialist stroked 12 points in the first on her way to a 14 point showing on 6-7 shooting from the floor including a perfect 2-2 from behind the arch.
In the second half, Newberry head coach Jason Brink emptied his bench with 15 Lady Indians picking up minutes. Leading the scorers off the bench was Ashley Hudson. The freshman guard cranked out 12 points, exhibiting a quick release from the outside.
Fellow freshman Brennen Long continued her strong play off the bench, chalking up nine points, snagging three rebounds, and dishing out two assists. Guard Angela Smith chipped in eight points and sophomore Adrian Turner picked up five points while snaring seven rebounds.
The Lady Hornet offense fared much better in the second frame, nearly doubling the first half tally with 32. Two Morris College players reached double digits in points, lead by Erica Washington's 15. A guard by trade, Washington also snagged nine rebounds and was a perfect seven of seven from the free throw line.
Even with an improved offense, Morris never pulled closer than 26 points after the half and Newberry coasted to an easy 92-49 victory.
In the first game of the Newberry Classic, Presbyterian College (1-1) fended off a hungry Edward Waters squad for a 72-65 win.
Amy Jones led the Lady Blue Hose with 22 points and Morgan Johnson complimented Jones with 18 points of her own.
Ruth Waters spearheaded the Lady Tigers' attack scoring 27.
In tomorrow's first game, Morris College will face Presbyterian at 5:00 p.m. and Newberry hosts Edward Waters with tip-off slated for 7:00 p.m. Both games will be held in Eleazer Arena.
